MD HB1175

Prohibits fertilizer application within 100 feet of tidal waters, tributary tidal streams, and tidal wetlands on agricultural operations with nutrient management plans renewed on or after July 1, 2025

Creates a fixed natural buffer program offering State cost-share funding of up to 150% of eligible installation costs for native vegetation strips (riparian forest buffers, herbaceous cover, tree plantings, wetland restoration) within the 100-foot tidal buffer zone

Increases Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program signing bonuses for forested streamside buffers from $1,000 to $1,250 per acre, and provides up to $1,500 per acre for fixed natural buffer enrollment (fiscal years 2026-2031)

Establishes tiered bonus payments of $1,000-$4,000 per acre for new fixed natural buffer installations based on practice type, elevation, slope, and presence of hydric soils/wetlands, plus annual payments of at least $150 per acre for Critical Area land enrolled in the program

Requires the Department of Agriculture to adopt technical specifications for fixed natural buffer practices by July 1, 2025, with the requirement that buffers fill the entire 100-foot width; effective date June 1, 2025